Woman crashes into tree 'to avoid deer,' but police think alcohol played role
A 38-year-old woman was injured after claiming she crashed into a tree to avoid a deer in the road early Thursday morning in Stearns County, but authorities suspect alcohol played a role.
The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says it was called at 2:49 a.m. regarding a crash with injuries near the intersection of 115th Avenue and County Road 17 in Brockway Township.
The woman was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and reported swerving to avoid a deer in the roadway. Evidence at the scene shows her car was traveling northbound on 115th Avenue and failed to stop for the stop sign where 115th intersects with County Road 17.
She then crashed into a tree around 150 feet north of the intersection.
The woman was taken by Mayo Ambulance to St. Cloud Hospital for injuries she had sustained in the crash.
According to police, alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in this crash, which remains under investigation.
Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement's latest version of events, and may be subject to change.
